Barwo Homestead - Update

Barwo Homestead Priorities Since our last update, a Working Group has been formed to investigate options for Barwo Homestead. The Working Group consists of community representatives and members of Barwo’s Committee of Management. The Working Group reports back to the Committee of Management. Both the Working Group and the Committee of Management agree on two priorities –retaining aged care beds in Nathalia, and using Barwo Homestead to provide services to older people in the local community.

Potential uses for Barwo’s existing building include converting it to independent living, upgrading it to deliver residential aged care, or becoming a Supported Residential Service. In all cases the residents would be older people. Providing residential aged care will only be feasible if we can recruit enough registered nurses (at least seven) to meet the Aged Care Standards and Care Minutes. Across Australia aged care facilities are closing or downsizing because they cannot find enough nurses. We can apply for an exemption from having registered nurses on site 24/7, but we would still need at least five registered nurses to deliver the required care minutes. The building would also need upgrading to be suitable. We hope to meet with the board of NCN Health soon to discuss how aged care beds and services can be maintained in Nathalia.

Independent living would mean converting the existing building to self contained units and/or building units around it. Residents would do their own cooking and cleaning, or access Home Care services if eligible. Minimal staffing is needed for this option. A Supported Residential Service operates like a boarding house. Residents pay rent and have meals and cleaning provided. Staff provide assistance to residents but the Service is not mandated to employ nurses. Residents can access Home Care services for additional supports if they are eligible. Members of the Committee of Management have met with the Victorian Department of Families Fairness and Housing about this option. There is a great deal of work to be done to thoroughly investigate these options. We are considering what is feasible, what the costs would be to alter the building, what staffing would be required and whether we will be able to recruit them. We must also consider the financial viability and what the likely level of demand is for each type of accommodation.

In the meantime, Barwo Homestead will be maintained now that all residents have relocated to other facilities. The furnishings and equipment have been kept ready for future use. Barwo has funds that could be used to adapt the building and we can apply for grants.